Activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested by the Ladakh police following violent protests in Leh on September 24, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to over 80 others. Officials confirmed that Wangchuk was taken into custody under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly inciting the demonstrators who were demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The protests escalated into violence, with demonstrators targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Leh. In response to the unrest, authorities imposed a curfew in the region and restricted gatherings of more than five people. The Apex Body Leh, which is leading the statehood movement, stated that the violence was not representative of their peaceful intentions and was triggered by a small group of unruly youth.

Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike for two weeks prior to the protests, advocating for constitutional guarantees and greater autonomy for Ladakh. Following the violence, the Ministry of Home Affairs accused him of making provocative statements that incited the mob. The ministry noted that the unrest was exacerbated by dissatisfaction among certain groups regarding the progress of ongoing negotiations with the government.

In a related development, the government revoked the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of Wangchuk's NGO, the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), citing violations linked to the recent violence. Wangchuk dismissed the allegations against him, calling them a "scapegoat tactic" to divert attention from the underlying issues faced by the people of Ladakh.

The situation in Leh remains tense, with a curfew in place and heightened security measures being enforced. The government has scheduled further meetings with local leaders to address the demands of the protesters. The next meeting of the High-Powered Committee is set for October 6.